This article was published in The Daily Orange on October 15th.
When I decided to study abroad in London I knew the language would be the same, but I had no idea how much else would be similar too. Winston Churchill coined the term special relationship in reference to the US and Britain’s WWII alliance. Since then, the countries have collaborated on issues from foreign affairs to trade agreements. When the British needed help fighting in Argentina in the 80s, the US was there. Similarly, when other countries hesitated to support American foreign wars after 9/11, Prime Minister Blair didn’t.
London’s Saint Paul’s Cathedral is a historic landmark symbolizing hope and British strength. For 1400 years a cathedral has been on its site, with the present cathedral created 300 years ago. St. Paul’s holds memorials to British heroes of the past and, as a working church, has also been home to historical services such as the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill. It’s come to represent the resilience of the British people because it was bombed heavily during WWII but, like Britain, is still standing.
St. Paul’s is full of marble statues and enormous jewel-colored mosaics on its high ceilings. At this site of British nationalism, directly behind the High Altar, is the American Memorial Chapel dedicated to US Servicemen stationed in the UK who perished during WWII. Symbolically, in the same place Britain pays respect to its country it also respects ours. But the ties that bind the US and UK go beyond government cooperation.
Beyonce, Lady Gage and Jay-Z dominate the UK Top 100 singles chart. Friends, The Hills, Scrubs and True Blood are constantly on TV. Abercrombie and Fitch is still a teenage staple. I’ve even heard The Boss’s "Born in the U.S.A." get played by a DJ (and no, not at Sports Café). Starbucks, McDonalds, Pizza Hut and KFC all line the streets. With so much in common, it seems like more than 3000 miles really isn’t that far.
Don’t get me wrong; Britain is definitely its own country. The soccer obsession, amazing pub food, classic taxis, telephone booths and landmarks are all things America doesn’t have. There are rules about manners and etiquette for escalators that the US would never abide by, and there’s always the monarchy to admire. Still, even in this distant country I can see similarities to home.
Historically, economically and culturally, a bond exists between Britain and America. This special relationship is discussed at length in my classes here, but it’s taught in more than just the classroom. As the weeks continue to roll by, a new branch of this bond grows increasingly in my own personal outlook. I feel like I belong in this city now. My random fits of homesickness are getting fewer and farther between. My daily commute and favorite places to grab coffee are becoming more routine. I love America. I’m excited to get back to country music, apple pies and 24-hour stores, but this country and all its quirks are starting to feel a little like home, too.
